Valley groups come together calling for a new, streamlined, updated voting system

PHOENIX - Focused on making it easier to vote, several Valley based groups plan to form a coalition aiming to streamline the voting process.

From a uniform registration process to clear provisional ballot rules, the group wants legislators and state election leaders to consider an updated policy.

"This is something that has to be done," said State Senator Steve Gallardo. "Something has to be done and it has to be right for everyone."

The move to update the current voting system comes as the group, "Promise Arizona" releases its findings of an investigation into the 2012 election.

"The most common reason a provisional ballot in Maricopa County was invalidated was because the vote was cast in the wrong precinct," said Promise Arizona Director Petra Falcon. "Many voters were unable to cast a ballot on election day because polling places ran out of provisional ballots."

The group estimates 40,000 provisional ballots went uncounted in the last election in Maricopa County.

"Some of the systematic problems that happened took place not only on election day, but in the month prior to election day when folks never received their ballot to begin with by mail," said Arizona Center For Empowerment Director Monica Sandschafer.

With the help of legislative leaders like Gallardo, the group plans to make several suggestions including permanent polling places.

"We also want to allow same day registration, validate provisional ballots that were cast in wrong precincts as a result of a poll worker error, count early ballots that are post marked on election day," said Falcon. "And add more bilingual poll workers."